Skin condition improvement / Dermabrasion

Overview

Dermabrasion is performed by removing the outer layer of the skin using a special burr, as the skin heals, it scars, slightly tightening up the skin and flattening out the wrinkles. After the treatment ointment is worn and the crusting comes off about 10-14 days later. Underneath the new skin will be pink and will stay pink for several weeks.

The surgery is performed under general anaesthetic and takes about ½ an hour depending on the extent of the procedure. When you wake up you should be comfortable and you will remain on regular analgesia (painkillers) for several days until you are effectively pain free. There will be ointment on the treated areas and this can be reapplied regularly until the area has crusted.

Mostly dermabrasion is used on the face for deep wrinkles, acne marks, pigment changes and other scarring. It can be used elsewhere. It is used when a chemical peel will not deliver enough improvement.

Dermabrasion FAQs

The Operation and hospital stay Dermabrasion

After the surgery you will stay in hospital until it is safe to send you home. Expect to feel washed out for a few days after the surgery and to tire quickly although you will return to your normal energy levels in a few days.

You will need to stay out of the sun while your skin is healing and use Spf 50 sunblock for the next 12 months while your face is pink when you go out in the sun.

What can go wrong with Dermabrasion

I feel it is important that anyone having surgery with me is aware of the possible negative sides of surgery and understands the small but real risks. The following paragraphs cover what happens when things occasionally don’t go as expected.

Like all surgery there are risks of complications whoever does your surgery. It is important you are aware of this and also are aware that many of the problems you may get after your surgery, if they are treated promptly, have no obvious effect on the final outcome.

All operations have a risk of bleeding (less than 2%). Infection is rare and antibiotics are given around the time of surgery to reduce the risk. Some people form bad scars (about 2%) and these can be troubling for a while although often respond to treatment over several months.

Discomfort or skin pigmentation can occasionally be problems. Over time these should settle, although all operations can result in long-term discomfort. If you suffer from cold sores you will need treatment to prevent them coming up while you are healing.

All operations have a small risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), chest infection and Pulmonary embolism. Death following elective surgery is exceptionally rare (1:250,000 in fit and well people)

As this is a surgical procedure to deal with appearance no guarantee can be given to the final appearance, but if we agree it is an unsatisfactory result correction will be offered at no additional cost.

After Dermabrasion surgery

Expect to feel washed out for a few days after the surgery and to tire quickly although you will return to your normal energy levels in a few weeks.

What to expect from Dermabrasion

Your face will weep for the first few days and you will be given ointment to put on your skin. Gradually the areas will dry and crust over. The crusts need to be allowed to fall of naturally. This will happen at about 10-14 days.

The skin underneath will be pink and sensitive for about three months. Make-up can be worn to cover this once the skin has healed.

Cost of Dermabrasion

– Perioral Dermabrasion from £1900
This includes all required follow-ups and in the unlikely event you require further treatment due to post-operative problems any further treatment is also included

(prices updated Feb 2018)

Post Operative Instructions for Dermabrasion

What to bring to hospital

If you would like, bring a family member or friend. Bring some easy to put on bed wear, preferably with front buttons and your own clothes and toiletries and something to pass the time like books, puzzles or some music . The rooms have televisions and there is free Wi-fi.

What to look out for after you have gone home

Before you come into hospital, you will get a package that contains a set of post-operative instructions and a thermometer.

Watch out for redness, swelling, pain, discharge, opening of the wound, fevers, sweating and shaking. Whatch to see if your temperature is above 37.2C and you feel unwell or it is above 37.6C.

If any of the above are seen or any of the information of the instruction sheet call the numbers on the instruction sheet or the hospital you had your operation.

Most fruit and pickles have aspirin like chemicals in them so avoid large quantities in the two weeks before surgery.

Please remember that if you have any questions or concerns to ask during one of your consultations. Writing questions down is sometimes helpful.

Driving

Normally you can re-start driving at around 2 weeks. You are fit to drive if you feel you are fit. I recommend you have someone take you to an industrial zone or supermarket car park late at night so you can attempt driving without risk to others. If you find you can drive without problems you are safe to go out on the road

Work

Depending on how physical the work you do is, you can start working from between 1 and 3 weeks.

If in doubt remember you can always ask for advice.

Exercise

At home rest is necessary for one week and any strenuous activity, bending, and lifting etc. is to be avoided. You can shower once your dressings are reduced after your first appointment.

Physical exercise more than a gentle walk should be avoided for the first least 3 weeks and then only undertaken if comfortable. After 3 weeks I allow swimming and cycling and more vigorous walking. After 6 weeks you can, if it is comfortable, return to full activities.